Ask Somebody With Hypothyroidism.

[Valka D'Ur]

Sorry, but I just noticed this thread. I've had hypothyroidism for many more years than anybody knew, and it nearly killed me before I was properly diagnosed. I had so little energy, I could barely hold my head up, and the night my dad took me to the hospital, he had to tie my shoes for me, like I was a little kid (this was in December 2000).

Is it an emotional sluggishness, a physical one, or some combination of the two?

Yes, yes, and yes. Most days I know what I want to do, what I should do, but often I just don't have the physical or mental energy to actually do it. So when I do have a good day, I get as much done as I can (and then my energy levels crash, of course). It's a good thing I have my two cats. The fact that they need to be fed and watered and have their litter box scooped every day is what prevents me from just never bothering to get out of bed (and believe me, there are sometimes whole weeks when I really don't feel like getting out of bed).

Depression is part of having hypothyroidism, so I'm on meds for both.

For me, its generally physical sluggishness; some mornings I just can't bring myself to get out of bed for half the day. Though mental, too. I sometimes get rather absent-minded.

How do you cope with being absent-minded, Aimee? I have to write notes to myself, constantly. I've got them all over the place, and I still forget things, or lose track of time.

Im on Synthroid too. The main side effects is being jittery and what have you; this doesnt really happen too much unless the dosage is off. Which is why I have to be constantly monitored. Severak vials of blood every few months. Several people who don't like needles ask how the hell do you get used to it. You just do. (Interesting fact: I have a permanent mark on my left inner elbow where the needle always goes in. Its not too noticeable, though.)

I just pretend I'm getting punctured by one of my kitties when they need their claws trimmed.